Fishing Report

Hayward, Wisconsin / Northern Wisconsin Fly Fishing Reports

What are the conditions? Here is the latest Fishing Report, courtesy of Hayward Fly Fishing Company.

Fishing Report 12/17/2011

Fall musky fishing was super! October and November produced some banner days in terms of the numbers of fished encountered and boated! It is a great time of the year to pursue muskies with big flies. 2011 yielded another season's worth of great memories. We thank all of you who we had the privilege of having in our boats this year! We are anxiously awaiting the opening of early trout season and the beginning of another great fly fishing season! Until then…Happy Holidays from all of us at Hayward Fly Fishing Company…and thank you!

Fishing Report 9/20/2011

It’s official—the smallmouth bass have migrated, so our bass season is behind us. We are now into full musky mode and the fishing has been terrific. Yesterday we moved 18 muskies on the Chippewa and fishing will just get better as we move into Fall. We’ve got some available slots (not many) left in October and plenty of November spots open, so if you have the desire to catch a musky, now is your time. Our trips are $395 for the day—2 anglers and includes everything—you just have to show up dressed for the day. Our rates are going up to $425 in 2012, so now is the time to take advantage of our old rates and build a memory to get you through the winter…

Fishing Report 8/25/2011

Hard as it seems to believe, trout fishing is still good on the Namekagon, even at this late date. Water temps have been staying in the 50’s and 60’s and the water levels are very good. Not much hatching, but the fish are eating streamers and crayfish imitations—think MEAT!! Smallmouth fishing will continue to be good until mid-September and then they migrate and our river fishing for smallies is done for 2011. The muskies have not been very happy lately, but as the water cools, they should be on the feed. Weather has been great, so get out and wet a line…Larry

Fishing Report 7/22/2011

So, there’s this guy who walks into a bar with a parrot on his shoulder---wait, wrong story. Water levels remain good and, after the recent violent storms, the rivers are flowing above historic averages. The trout fishing window is closed—water temps are in the 75 to 80 degree range, so the trout are not happy. Bass and musky fishing, on the other hand, has been terrific. Baitfish patterns have been best for the bass, with topwater action close behind. Muskies are responding to topwater flies as well as large profile baitfish patterns. Insects are having a banner year, so bring whatever repellent you like when you get out to fish and bring plenty of water so you can stay hydrated. It’s hot out there….

Fishing Report 7/1/2011

Well, Summer finally arrived, and it arrived with a vengeance.  Yesterday was 87 degrees and today will be 95 at least.  Water temp in the Namekagon was 75 yesterday and will be hotter today, so the trout fishing window is slamming shut.  Water levels are good everywhere and the bass/musky fishing has been terrific.  Hex hatch on the Namekagon and area lakes is good and is just starting on the Brule and White.  The bluegills and crappies are pretty easy targets now, so you have many options available to satisfy your fishing Jones.  Go fish!!

Fishing Report 6/20/2011

For those of you interested in such things, the Hex hatch has begun in the Hayward Area.  Make the appropriate adjustments to your calendar and sleeping habits….

Fishing Report 6/15/2011

We’re in PRIME TIME right now!! The cooler weather has allowed the trout fishing to continue and the fishing has been great with sulphurs(both sizes), march browns, brown drakes and caddis. Streamer and nymph fishing in the mornings and dry flies til dark. Bass and musky fishing has been very good and will just get better. We had a 10 musky encounter day on this past Sunday and they were all smaller males—biggest probably 40+”. Water levels are still very good—just slightly above normal but just right. We had some rain today, which will help keep the levels good. The bluegills and crappies have finally made their move to shallow water which will make everyone happy. Get out there and catch a big one or a little one—just get out there.

Fishing Report 5/30/2011

As I sit here on Memorial Day watching the rain/wind/hail, it seems only fitting that I should offer up a fishing report. Trout fishing on the Namekagon has been terrific. We have been “blessed” with a cool Spring, so the water has stayed colder. We have Sulphurs, March Browns and Caddis hatching daily, so dry fly fishing has been great. Along with dries, nymphs and emergers are working very well. The hatches are in the afternoon, so it is very civilized fishing. Fish the spinner falls up to sundown. On the other hand, the bass fishing has been a bit slow because of the cool water temps. We’re still catching them, but not like we will when the water gets warmer. Bluegills and crappie still haven’t come in shallow yet, but that’s just around the corner. Musky fishing has been good over the weekend—perch patterns have been the best. Check the weather and get out there and catch ‘em.

Fishing Report 5/12/2011

Trout fishing keeps getting better as the weather warms up. Super caddis hatches along with the Hendrickson hatch make for great dry fly fishing. Water temps warmed to 60 degrees yesterday and the flows are still above normal, so the Namekagon is “plump”. Wendy had a guide trip this past Sunday for our maiden outing of 2011. She fished the Namekagon from Earl to Trego and had a banner day for bass. The olive Meat Whistle was the fly of the day. Bluegill and crappie fishing is still kind of slow due to lower water temps, but that will change quickly as the water continues to warm. We have just a little more than two weeks before Musky opener, so check your gear and make sure you’re ready. Go fish!!

Fishing Report 4/18/2011

The Namekagon is still higher than normal (209 cfs) and colder than it has been for a while. Starting to see a few Hendricksons and the stoneflies are still around , but not in the same numbers as in the past few weeks. Good reports with big streamers from our fishing eyes and ears in the field. The Brule is prime this week—perfect flow and clarity—lots of fish have started to move back to the lake, so this may be the last chance until fall. We’re supposed to get another shot of winter starting tomorrow, so dress warmly and get out and catch em…

Fishing Report 3/29/2011

Since the blizzard of ’11 shut things down last week, the trout fishing has been pretty slow, primarily due to the cold temperatures — both air and water. Today, the temps rose to 40 and I took a little ride and did my milk run. Water temps were in the low 40s at Phipps, Tag Alder, Larsen, Peterson, Seeley. Stoneflies were out and about at each stop, but very few fish rising. The forecast is for warming temperatures, so the fishing will just get better over the coming days. Get out there and catch one…

Fishing Report 3/18/2011

Fishing has been very good this week. The stonefly hatch is in full swing with adults appearing mid-day to late afternoon. The warmer the day, the earlier they appear. Dry fly fishing has been very good, with the Parachute Adams/Parachute Hare’s Ear leading the charge. Nymphing has also been effective with Prince Nymphs and black Hare’s Ear. It’s still a bit early for really good streamer fishing, but that is just around the bend. Check your gear and get out there and catch ‘em.

Fishing Report 3/12/2011

Winter is hanging on for a bit longer around here but a few early black stoneflies are starting to show. The early fishing has been best with Prince Nymphs, stonefly nymphs, pheasant tails in size 12 and 14. Fishing should pick up next week with warmer temperatures.

2011 Early Season Catch-And-Release Trout Opener

The 2011 Wisconsin early season catch-and-release trout opener is Saturday, March 5. I'll be checking on the conditions of the Namekagon River on Thursday (3/3) morning so check back here for the latest report.